Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2026
An Objective and Child-friendly Assessment of Arm Function by Using a 3-D Sensor
Published on: February 12, 2018
Development of items that assess physical function in children who use wheelchairs
Cheryl I Kerfeld1, Brian J Dudgeon, Joyce M Engel
1Division of Physical Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle 98195, USA. ckerfe@u.washington.ed
Insights
Children using wheelchairs want PROMIS mobility items to be more specific and account for adaptive strategies and environmental factors. This feedback is crucial for improving outcome measures for pediatric wheelchair users.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Rehabilitation
- Health Outcomes Measurement
- Assistive Technology
Background:
- Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) are vital in assessing pediatric physical function.
- The Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) offers valuable tools for this assessment.
- Understanding the user experience is key to refining these measures for specific populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the content, format, and comprehension of PROMIS pediatric physical function/mobility items.
- To gather insights from children who use wheelchairs (WCs) regarding these specific PROMIS items.
Main Methods:
- Cognitive interviews were conducted with 14 children (aged 8-12) who use WCs.
- Participants verbalized their thought processes while responding to PROMIS items.
- A questionnaire appraisal system was used to analyze interview data.
Main Results:
- Children desired more specific item wording and options to report adaptive methods of performance and participation.
- Response interpretation varied based on individual situations, environmental supports, and constraints.
- Environmental factors significantly influence how children perceive and report their physical functioning.
Conclusions:
- Rehabilitation professionals should consider children's perspectives on physical functioning when developing PROMs.
- The impact of environmental influences and device variability on functional mobility needs further exploration.
- Future outcome measures should incorporate the nuanced experiences of pediatric wheelchair users.
Purpose:
To assess the content, format, and comprehension of the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) pediatric physical function related to mobility items for children who use wheelchairs (WCs).
Methods:
During a cognitive interview, 14 children, aged 8 to 12 years, who use WCs, verbalized their thoughts when answering PROMIS items. The questionnaire appraisal system was used to code summarized text from the interviews.
Results:
The children requested items be more specific and include options for reporting adaptive ways of performing and participating. How they would answer the item depended on the situation and specific environmental supports and constraints they may have experienced.
Conclusions:
As rehabilitation professionals develop and use self-reported outcome measures, they should explore what is important to children who use WCs regarding their views on physical functioning, the influences of the environment, and variability in the use of devices to assist with functional mobility.
More Related Videos
11:29Measuring the Functional Abilities of Children Aged 3-6 Years Old with Observational Methods and Computer Tools
Published on: June 20, 2020
09:18Measurements of Motor Function and Other Clinical Outcome Parameters in Ambulant Children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Published on: January 12, 2019